Capturing Stills and Designing the Poster for Coven - Student FIlm for UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
I recently wrapped up work on Coven, a 10-minute short film coming this May, and I thought I’d share a bit about the process. From shooting stills and behind-the-scenes shots to designing a poster, it was a creative ride with plenty of hands-on moments that left me inspired.
Capturing the Moment: Stills on Set
When it came to capturing Coven's mood, I kept things simple and genuine. I wasn’t aiming for overly dramatic perfection, just a series of images that felt real and communicated the film’s understated tension.
Lighting and Shadows: I experimented with both natural and artificial light, letting shadows do a lot of the talking. Sometimes, the way a well-placed shadow fell over a scene said more than any elaborate setup.
Simple Composition: I focused on framing shots that highlighted both the actors’ emotions and the little details of the set. It was about catching the moments as they naturally happened.
Authentic Emotion: Working with the cast was a blast because it meant getting to capture those genuine, unplanned moments—a quiet glance or a subtle smile that adds a lot to the story.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Documenting the making of Coven with BTS shots was just as rewarding. It was a chance to show a more relaxed, real look at what goes into making a short film.
Candid Moments: I snapped plenty of unscripted interactions—crew laughs, quick set adjustments, and those little off-camera moments that speak volumes about the teamwork involved.
Everyday Details: From the setup of lighting gear to the clutter that’s part of the creative hustle, everything had its place. The everyday grind is really what makes a film come alive.
Collaborating and Learning on Set
One of the highlights for me was seeing the lighting technician and the director of photography in action. Watching their expertise and seamless collaboration was not only impressive, but it also gave me some great insights I can take into my own work.
Teamwork in Action: It was refreshing to see how effectively the lighting tech and the DOP worked together to shape the look of each scene. Their ability to adapt to different lighting conditions and still create a consistent mood was something I really admired.
Learning for the Future: This experience has definitely given me a few ideas and techniques I’m eager to apply in my personal projects. It’s one thing to know the theory, but seeing it executed so smoothly on set has inspired me to up my own game.
Designing the Poster: A Casual Nod to Grindhouse
Creating the poster was another fun part of the project. I aimed for a look that blended influences from Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn, and grindhouse films, all while keeping it grounded in my own style.
Inspiration and Process: I started with my on-set photography as a reference, then went for a hand-painted look. The process wasn’t about pixel perfection—it was a relaxed, creative exploration of blending cult classic vibes with the spirit of Coven.
Styling It Right: The final poster has that retro, vintage edge without being over the top. It’s practical and straightforward, echoing the film’s grounded feel while still giving a nod to those classic influences.
Wrapping Up
Working on Coven has been a great experience—one that allowed me to capture real moments on set, dive into the collaborative process of filmmaking, and experiment creatively with design. I’m really grateful for the chance to see talented professionals in action, and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward into my own projects.
Keep an eye out for Coven this May. I hope this peek behind the scenes gives you a sense of the laid-back, yet thoughtful approach we took on this project. Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to share more of my journey with you soon!
